Fluid Power Forum

At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, Fluid Power Forum guest host Ben Brown interviews Russ Schneiderwind from Hydraforce about show highlights and Hydraforce's exhibits. Russ notes key fluid power innovations around precise control, efficiency, and increased integration of electronics, sensors, software, and data analytics. Hydraforce is showcasing its cartridge valve technology, new products developed through integration with Bosch Rexroth (which acquired Hydraforce in 2023), including proportional valves for excavator load/boom lock applications, and HF Impulse GUI integration with hardware. Russ also discusses a Connected Control Unit (CCU) gateway for telematics and over-the-air updates, developed with software updates and a collaboration with Elevate to provide a cost-effective, flexible, single-gateway approach for machines with multiple controller types. #CONEXPO #FluidPower #Telematics
Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.
Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].
Connect with our guest, Russ Schneidewind, at [email protected].
Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

At the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show, Fluid Power Forum guest host Ben Brown interviews Jason Parks of Suburban Manufacturing Group about a busy show floor and notable innovations like directional drills and vac trucks. Parks highlights Suburban's booth featuring Python Protective Sleeves and Lubeminder Oil and Grease systems. He describes new Python thermal products that provide line-of-sight protection and thermal resistance to help shield hydraulic hoses in hot engine compartments and reduce operator hazards. He also introduces a new hydraulically operated grease pump that delivers about 40 times more grease per stroke than electric competitors, moving large volumes while simplifying system design. Listeners are directed to www.gosuburban.com and Suburban's LinkedIn and Facebook pages. #CONEXPO #FluidPower #HydraulicMaintenance
Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.
Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].
Connect with our guest, Jason Parks, at [email protected].
Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

At the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show, Fluid Power Forum guest host Ben Brown interviews Bruce Riley of Ultra Clean Technologies Corp about a busy show with returning customers and new leads and highlights innovations seen on the floor. Riley explains Ultra Clean's focus on contamination control through cleaning hydraulic hoses and tubes and encapsulating cleaned ends with heat shrink.
He also introduces three new products: biodegradable stem lubricants for industrial and hydraulic applications, a patented custom 3D-printed nozzle program with 24–48 hour turnaround, and the PLC-controlled Ultra Loader for rapid projectile firing in production hose and tube assemblies. Riley also points listeners to the company website and describes webinar-based operator training and a certification program backed by independent test reports. #CONEXPO #ContaminationControl #OperatorTraining
Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.
Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].
Connect with our guest, Bruce Riley, at [email protected].
Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

At the 2026 CONEXPO trade show, Fluid Power Forum guest host Ben Brown interviews Elie Nasr of Famic Technologies about show highlights and Famic's Automation Studio software for system design, modeling, and simulation across hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, automation, robotics, and P&ID. Nassar notes the growing impact of electronics on components such as valves, pumps, and transmission systems. He explains that Automation Studio enables engineers to build models using real manufacturer components and reuse the same design for simulation, system validation, maintenance, troubleshooting, training, and full documentation, with OEM feedback citing 80–90% reductions in design time. Listeners can find updates on LinkedIn and videos on YouTube. #FluidPowerForum #CONEXPO #ModelingAndSimulation #SystemDesign
Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.
Additionally, we're launching Fluid Power Forum Plus, offering premium, members-only content designed just for our listeners. When you sign up on the NFPA website, you'll unlock a host of rewards, ranging from exclusive content to live panels and networking receptions.
Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].
Connect with our guest, Elie Nasr, at [email protected].
Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.

Guest host Ben Brown records from the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 show floor for the NFPA Fluid Power Forum podcast and interviews Chris Kolbe of HYDAC about show trends and HYDAC's exhibit. Chris describes a busy event despite marketplace uncertainty and notes a shift from electrification toward autonomy, automation, and user-assist functions. He explains how HYDAC is showcasing system solutions that combine filtration, valves, electronic controls, accumulators, and other components to enable steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire, including variable steering-rate functionality. HYDAC is also ranh live mini excavator and skid steer demos—electrified with hydraulics still central to work functions—to help OEMs evaluate integrated system design and collaboration. Learn more at hydac.com or connect with Chris on LinkedIn. #FluidPowerForum #Autonomy #SystemDesign #CONEXPO
Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio.
Additionally, we're launching Fluid Power Forum Plus, offering premium, members-only content designed just for our listeners. When you sign up on the NFPA website, you'll unlock a host of rewards, ranging from exclusive content to live panels and networking receptions.
Connect with our guest host, Ben Brown, at [email protected].
Connect with our guest, Chris Kolbe, at [email protected].
Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA.